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CFSAN/Office of Food Safety, Defense, and Outreach
August 24, 2005

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Food Safety for Moms-to-Be Protecting yourself and your unborn baby just takes following these careful food selection and preparation tips.

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Before You're Pregnant
Methylmercury | Toxoplasma | Folic Acid

So you're thinking about becoming pregnant! This is one of the most important and wonderful decisions you could make. But before you begin to knit those booties, keep in mind there are steps you can take before you become pregnant to help give your baby a healthy start.

Methylmercury and Toxoplasma are two foodborne risks that can have an effect on your baby even before conception! This section tells you how this can happen and outlines the steps you need to take to protect your unborn baby if you become pregnant.

Taking folic acid is another way to give your little one a good start. You'll learn how this essential nutrient helps reduce the risks of common birth defects.

It's Positive!
Once you conceive, be sure to check out While You're Pregnant. You'll learn about specific food safety issues you should be aware of throughout your pregnancy!

For information about food safety, call the FDA's Food Information Line at: 1-888-SAFE-FOOD.